Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection, by Remigio Canta Gallina, 1950
H Beard Print Collection, by Remigio Canta Gallina, 1950

H Beard Print Collection is a print by Remigio Canta Gallina. It dates from 1950 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

This print shows a scene from mythology, where a woman named Atalanta is led by the goddess Diana.

This print shows a scene from mythology, where a woman named Atalanta is led by the goddess Diana. It’s part of a set of two prints, mounted side by side.

The print was made before the 20th century, so it has an old-school feel but isn’t super rare. The artist, Remigio Canta Gallina, made it using print techniques that were popular back then.

If you like this style, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

The work belongs to the H Beard Print Collection and is executed as a print. It depicts the mythological episode in which the huntress Diana guides the swift-footed heroine Atalanta. The image forms one half of a diptych, with a companion print mounted alongside it, creating a paired visual narrative.

Subject & Meaning

In the composition, Atalanta is shown being led by Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, reflecting themes of guidance, competition, and divine intervention common in classical stories. The portrayal emphasizes the relationship between mortal skill and divine support, a motif frequently explored in ancient mythic art.

Technique & Style

The piece was produced by Remigio Canta Gallina using printmaking methods prevalent before the twentieth century, likely involving intaglio or relief processes typical of the period. The execution displays the crisp line work and tonal contrasts characteristic of nineteenth‑century European print traditions.

History & Provenance

Created prior to the 1900s, the print is not considered exceptionally rare, yet it exemplifies the broader output of Gallina’s workshop. Its inclusion in the H Beard Print Collection indicates a systematic acquisition of works representing mythological subjects and historic print techniques.

Context

Mythological subjects such as Atalanta and Diana were popular among artists seeking to align contemporary aesthetics with classical narratives. Gallina’s choice of this theme aligns with a 19th‑century revival of antiquity in visual culture, where prints served both decorative and educational purposes.

Artist & collection

Artist

Remigio Canta Gallina

Remigio Canta Gallina made early prints before the 20th century. These black-and-white images show scenes from daily life, city views, and sometimes animals or objects arranged simply. You’ll find prints like the ones…